Delimitation Bill: A conspiracy to disadvantage southern states including Tamil Nadu!
In the name of “implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill,” the Union Government is strategically introducing the Delimitation Bill in Parliament. No one opposes providing reservation for women. The stance of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi is that instead of 33%, women should be given 50% reservation.
The Union BJP Government passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023 with the support of all parties. Accordingly, opposition parties insisted that reservation for women should be implemented in the 2024 general elections itself. However, the Union BJP Government decided that the Women’s Reservation Bill would be implemented only after conducting the next population census and completing the delimitation process.
Now, suddenly announcing that “reservation will be provided to women,” the Union Government has convened a special session of Parliament. If the BJP truly had concern for women’s reservation, it could be implemented within the existing number of parliamentary and assembly seats. But instead, under the pretext of bringing a constitutional amendment for this purpose, the BJP Government has introduced bills to carry out delimitation across India, increase the number of Members of Parliament to 850, and establish a Delimitation Commission for this purpose.
During the delimitation carried out under the Vajpayee government, it was stated that the next delimitation would be done based on the population census conducted after 2026. If the 2021 census had been conducted, the next census after 2026 should only take place in 2031, and delimitation should follow thereafter. However, contrary to this, the BJP Government is now attempting to carry out delimitation immediately. It is reportedly planning to use the 2011 census as the basis for this exercise.
If the number of parliamentary constituencies is increased to 850, the number of constituencies in each state will rise. However, the Union Government has not clearly explained the basis on which this increase will be determined. From the statements of BJP ministers and the bills that have emerged, it appears that delimitation will be carried out based on the 2011 population census.
If this happens, southern states including Tamil Nadu, as well as states like Odisha and West Bengal, will be severely affected. The number of parliamentary constituencies in these states will decrease in proportion compared to the present. On the other hand, Hindi-speaking states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh will see an increase in constituencies. Consequently, if a single party secures a large number of seats in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, it could potentially gain the power to rule the entire country. This would result in southern states completely losing their political influence.
Considering this danger, several Chief Ministers, including that of Tamil Nadu, had urged the Union Government to consult state governments before carrying out delimitation. They also insisted that the number of constituencies should be increased in the existing proportion across states and should not be based on population. However, ignoring all these concerns, the BJP Government has now decided to proceed with delimitation.
If delimitation is implemented in this manner, it will lead to a situation where the North prospers while the South declines. Already, the Union Government has been neglecting Tamil Nadu in tax revenue sharing and allocation of funds for schemes. If the number of constituencies is also reduced, Tamil Nadu will lose its significance altogether. Therefore, it is the duty of every citizen of Tamil Nadu to oppose and stop this dangerous move.
Condemning the Union Government’s actions, the leader of the Secular Progressive Alliance, Mr. M.K. Stalin, has called for protests across the country by hoisting black flags. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi endorses this call. On April 16, 2026, when the Delimitation Bill is to be introduced in Parliament, party functionaries of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi should organize black flag protests across Tamil Nadu. I request that black flags be hoisted at party offices and homes to express opposition.
Yours,
Thol Thirumavalavan
Founder-President
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi